Regional Experts Discuss Water-Energy Nexus at ESCWA

ESCWA hosts on 11-12 July 2017 a score of water and energy experts from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, The Sudan, The Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, and Yemen, to take part in a regional capacity-building workshop on “Water-Energy Nexus Operational Renewable Energy” held at the UN House in Beirut.
 
The workshop, which opens at 9:00 am on Tuesday 11 July 2017, aims to address the possibility of using commercialised Renewable Energy (RE) technologies available today, to improve water security by providing the required energy sources for water related activities. On one hand, these activities include freshwater distribution, wastewater treatment and the improvement of energy security as well as diversifying the national energy mix, by providing different energy sources that use small water amounts and encourage water saving. On another hand, these activities will contribute in providing modern energy services in rural and remote areas, and to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels as an energy source; thus, contributing to the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions. This will push the Arab region forward to meet their demand for water and energy needs, and implementing sustainable development plans.
 
The workshop will assess RE technologies in both water and electricity sectors, and will tackle the key indicators of performance and financial perspective of RE technologies.
 
Securing water and energy needs is a critical matter, but has not yet received the required attention. Energy production consumes significant amounts of water; providing water, in turn, consumes energy. In the Arab region, confronting the issues of water scarcity and the increasing demand on energy to implement sustainable development plans all represent a challenge that needs to be tackled through an integrated set of wise energy and water policy decisions.
 
Upon an Intergovernmental Consultative meeting on the Water-Energy Nexus, held by ESCWA in June 2012, the representatives of the Member Countries (MCs) of both Committees identified seven-priority areas, covering the following topics: knowledge and awareness raising; increasing policy coherence; examining the water-energy security nexus; increasing efficiency; informing technology choices; promoting renewable energy; and addressing climate change and natural disasters.
 
Accordingly, ESCWA is implementing a UN Development Account (DA) Project on “Developing the Capacities of ESCWA Member Countries to Address the Water and Energy Nexus for Achieving Sustainable Developing Goals”. The DA project targets to strengthen the capacity of ESCWA member countries to achieve an integrated and sustainable management of water and energy resources to contribute in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project is implemented through two parallel and complementary tracks, whereas the first targets high-level officials in ministries responsible for water and energy while the second focuses on water and energy service providers.
 
ESCWA Communication and Information Unit urges media institutions wishing to cover the event to confirm their representatives’ attendance by Monday 10 July 2017 at +961-70-008879, in order to facilitate their entry to the UN House.
 
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For more information:
 
Nabil Abu-Dargham (head of ECIU): +961-70-99 31 44; dargham@un.org
Ms. Mirane Abi-Zaki: +961-70-99 31 55; abi-zaki@un.org
Ms. Rania Harb: +961-70-00 88 79; harb1@un.org
 
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